Trial will weigh if Sterling was properly ousted

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A trial will be held next month to determine whether Donald Sterling, who opposes his estranged wife’s planned sale of the Los Angeles Clippers, was properly removed as an administrator for the family trust that owns the team.

An attorney for Shelly Sterling went to probate court Wednesday to request a trial to confirm that as sole trustee she can proceed with the $2 billion sale to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.

The development is the latest in a legal tug-of-war that has ensued following the NBA’s decision to ban Sterling for life after racist remarks he made emerged in a recording in April. Sterling is fighting the decision and suing the league for $1 billion.

The league has contended that Sterling’s comments were bad for business and damaged both the Clippers and the NBA.

The trial, which was granted exceptionally quickly, will begin July 7 and last four days. The deadline for the sale is July 15, which is also the date the NBA Board of Governors is scheduled to vote on whether it will approve the sale.

Donald Sterling’s lawyer, Bobby Samini, left the courthouse without comment after a clerk announced the trial schedule. Neither Sterling was present.

“I just want to resolve this as quickly as possible,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told The Associated Press in Miami on Wednesday, when he appeared at an NBA Cares event.